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Church in Valdosta, GA., Reaches out for Help with Youth Program

Youth Rescue 911 will provide disadvantaged youth with recreation, education and social events.

Valdosta, GA -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/03/2014 -- Valdosta, GA - Many in the town of Valdosta, Ga., are becoming alarmed because local children and teenagers are getting involved with gangs, drugs and violence. Clara King and the First Antioch Missionary Baptist Church intend to do something about it.

King is organizing a program called Youth Rescue 911, which will provide disadvantaged youth with healthy alternatives such as recreation, education and social events. “We want them to choose a better path before their behavior becomes problematic,” explained King, the church’s Youth Leader. “Youth Rescue 911 will give them activities that are fun and will help mold them into responsible citizens.”

King is also encouraging members of the church and others in the community to volunteer their time to work with these young people. “Volunteers not only provide a very valuable service but they find it to be a highly rewarding experience,” she said. “When you can make a difference in a child’s life, it’s a wonderful thing.”

In order to run an effective program, additional funding is needed. King estimates that Youth Rescue 911 will require $10,000 for three computers, a flat screen TV, educational videos and a DVD player as well as equipment and materials for sports, recreation and art.

This funding will also be used to reach out to local leaders and run programs that address self-esteem, literacy, peer pressure, bullying, skill-building and family counseling.

Donations of any amount are welcome. For $50, backers will receive a beautiful “angel” box that can be used for jewelry and other items. A $100 pledge is rewarded with a celestial angel figure. For $250, you can get a Youth Rescue 911 T-shirt.

King is hoping that members of the greater Valdosta community will help support this project. “We are also reaching out to anyone else in the country who wants to help kids,” she said. “We are committed to helping the youth in our community to choose a better path. Whatever you can donate will be greatly appreciated.”